Veteran actress Sarada has been chosen for the 2024 J.C. Daniel Award for Lifetime Contribution to Malayalam cinema, announced Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian. The prestigious award, the highest film honor given by the Kerala government, includes a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation, and a statuette. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will present the award at the Kerala State Film Awards ceremony on January 25.
The selection of Sarada for the award was made by a jury headed by noted lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi, who himself received the J.C. Daniel Award in 2017. The jury, which also included actress Urvashi and filmmaker Balu Kiriyath, along with Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Secretary C. Ajoy, highlighted Sarada’s exceptional talent as an actress. She has brought two National Film Awards for Best Actress to Malayalam cinema and has been instrumental in immortalizing the Malayali woman on screen during the 1960s and 1970s.
Sarada’s remarkable performances in films such as Thulabharam, Swayamvaram, and Nimajjanam have earned her national recognition. The jury praised her nuanced portrayals that vividly captured the emotions and struggles of women from that era. Known for her unforgettable roles in movies like Thriveni, Murappennu, and Mooladhanam, Sarada is described as a deserving recipient of Kerala’s highest film honor.
Born on June 25, 1945, in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, Sarada adopted the screen name while acting in her first Telugu film, Iru Mithrulu. She made her debut in Malayalam cinema in 1965 with Inapravukal, which was well-received by audiences. Over her illustrious career, she has appeared in more than 125 Malayalam films, earning immense popularity among viewers for her roles in movies like Udyogastha, Yakshi, and Elippathayam.
